Marion's Blog > How to Remove Old Carpet Before a New Installation

How to Remove Old Carpet Before a New Installation

Friday, April 25, 2025

Are you preparing for a carpet replacement in your home? Removing your old carpet before the professionals arrive can save you money on your overall carpet replacement cost. While many flooring companies offer removal services, doing it yourself can be a straightforward weekend project that reduces your expenses.

Gather the right tools and materials

Before beginning your carpet removal project, make sure you have all the necessary tools:

• Utility knife with extra blades
• Pry bar
• Pliers
• Work gloves
• Knee pads
• Safety glasses
• Dust mask
• Hammer
• Duct tape
• Heavy-duty trash bags or carpet roll straps
• Broom and vacuum

Having the proper tools on hand will make the carpet removal process much more efficient and safer for everyone involved.

Clear the room completely

The first step in preparing for carpet replacement is to remove all furniture and belongings from the room. This includes:

• Large furniture pieces
• Electronics
• Wall decorations
• Floor lamps and other free-standing items
• Curtains or drapes that might touch the floor

Even if you're looking for cheap carpet options to reduce costs, proper preparation will ensure the best installation results regardless of your carpet budget.

Start at the right location

When beginning your carpet removal:

1. Choose a corner of the room to start
2. Use pliers to grab the carpet and pull it up from the tack strip
3. Once you have a good grip, pull steadily with even pressure
4. Continue pulling up along the wall, creating a larger detached section

If you're planning a complete carpet installation throughout your home, working systematically room by room will help manage the project better.

Cut carpet into manageable sections

As you pull up the carpet:

1. Use your utility knife to cut the freed carpet into strips of 3-4 feet wide
2. Cut from the back side of the carpet for easier cutting
3. Roll up each section and secure with duct tape
4. Set aside the rolled sections for disposal

Breaking the carpet into smaller sections makes removal and disposal much more manageable, especially when working with wall-to-wall carpet.

Remove the padding underneath

After removing all carpet, you'll need to address the padding:

1. Pull up the carpet padding using the same technique
2. Remove any staples securing the padding to the subfloor
3. Scrape away adhesive residue if necessary
4. Dispose of padding separately from carpet

Many homeowners are surprised to find that padding is a separate component of their flooring system. Removing and replacing the padding is essential for a proper carpet installation.

Deal with tack strips appropriately

Evaluate the condition of the tack strips around the perimeter of the room:

1. If in good condition and you're installing new carpet, they can stay
2. If damaged or rusty, remove them with a pry bar and hammer
3. Work carefully to avoid damaging the subfloor
4. Wear heavy gloves to protect against the sharp tacks

Proper removal of tack strips is particularly important if you're switching to another flooring type after carpet replacement.

Inspect and prepare the subfloor

Once all carpeting, padding, and unwanted tack strips are removed:

1. Inspect the subfloor for damage, mold, or moisture issues
2. Remove all staples and nails that remain
3. Sweep and vacuum thoroughly
4. Address any uneven areas or squeaks
5. Allow the subfloor to fully dry if there was any moisture

A clean, level subfloor is essential for a successful carpet installation, especially if you're investing in higher-quality carpet.

Dispose of old carpet properly

Proper disposal of old carpeting is important:

1. Check with your local waste management about carpet recycling options
2. Some carpet retailers offer removal and recycling with new carpet purchase
3. For large amounts, consider renting a dumpster
4. Many carpet installation companies can handle disposal for an additional fee

Even if you've found cheap carpet options for your replacement, proper disposal of old materials is an important environmental consideration.

Final preparations before new carpet arrives

Before your new carpet installation:

1. Ensure the subfloor is completely clean and dry
2. Complete any baseboards or trim work needed
3. Paint walls if desired (much easier without carpet in place)
4. Plan the installation path for the new carpet

Taking these final steps will ensure that your new carpet has the proper foundation for a beautiful and long-lasting installation.

Your Portland area carpet experts are here to help!

Ready to transform your home with beautiful new flooring? Marion's Carpet & Flooring Warehouses has everything you need! Whether you've removed your old carpet yourself or need our professional removal services, our team serves Portland, Oregon City, Wilsonville, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Sherwood, Newberg, Hillsboro, OR, and Vancouver, WA with expert carpet installation services. Visit our showrooms in Portland and Wilsonville, OR to explore our extensive selection of quality carpeting at competitive prices, or contact us today to schedule your professional installation.